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High-Throughput Screening of Candidate Analgesics Using a Patient-Derived Human iPSC Model of Nociception Identifies Putative pain reducing compounds
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  • Jack Thornton,
  • sally harwood,
  • Alberto Capurro,
  • Thomas Henderson,
  • Adrienne Unsworth,
  • Franziska Goertler,
  • Sushma Nagaraja-Grellscheid,
  • Vsevolod Telezhkin,
  • Majlinda Lako,
  • Evelyne Sernagor,
  • Lyle Armstrong
Jack Thornton
Newcastle University
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sally harwood
Newcastle University
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Alberto Capurro
Newcastle University
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Thomas Henderson
Newcastle University
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Adrienne Unsworth
Newcastle University
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Franziska Goertler
University of Bergen
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Sushma Nagaraja-Grellscheid
University of Bergen
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Vsevolod Telezhkin
Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences
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Majlinda Lako
University of Newcastle
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Evelyne Sernagor
Newcastle University
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Lyle Armstrong
Newcastle University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Background and purpose: In this study, we applied an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based model of inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) to screen a library of 295 small molecules aiming to identify candidate pain-modulating compounds. Experimental approach: Human iPSC-derived nociceptor-like cells, which exhibit action potentials in response to noxious stimulation, were evaluated using whole-cell patch-clamp and microelectrode array (MEA) techniques. Key results: Nociceptors derived from individuals with IEM showed spontaneous electrical activity characteristic of genetic pain disorders. The drug screen identified four compounds (AZ106, AZ129, AZ037, and AZ237) that significantly decreased spontaneous firing with minimal toxicity. The calculated IC50 values indicate the potential efficacy of these compounds. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the compounds’ ability to reduce action potential generation in IEM patient-specific iPSC-derived neurons. Conclusions and implications: This high-throughput approach demonstrates the reproducibility and effectiveness of human neuronal disease modelling, offering a promising avenue for discovering new analgesics. These findings address a critical gap in current therapeutic strategies for both general and neuropathic pain, warranting further investigation. This study highlights the innovative use of patient-derived iPSC neuronal models in pain research and emphasises the potential for personalised medicine in developing targeted analgesics.
Submitted to British Journal of Pharmacology
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